my dear. It wouldna be very edifying for a continuance,
but once in a way it is enjoyable enough. He seems a decent, harmless
body, that Mr Proudfute. I wonder if he is any friend of Dr
Proudfute, of Knockie?"

"I don't know, indeed," said Graeme, laughing; "but if he is a great
man, or connected with great folk, I will ask him. It will be an easy
way of giving him pleasure."

They did not make a long evening of it. Mr Green was presented by Mrs
Grove with a book of plates, and Graeme was beguiled to a side-table to
admire them with him. Mr Proudfute divided his attention between them
and the piano, to which Rose and Fanny had betaken themselves, till at
the suggestion of Mrs Grove, Arthur challenged him to a game of chess,
which lasted all the evening. Mrs Grove devoted herself to Mrs Snow,
and surprised her by the significant glances she sent now and then in
the direction of Graeme and Mr Green; while Mr Grove got Mr Snow into
a corner, and enjoyed the satisfaction of pouring out his heart on the
harbour question to a new and interested auditor.

"Rose," said Fanny, as they sat together the next day after dinner,
"what do you think mamma said to me this morning? Shall I tell you?"

"If it is anything particularly interesting you may," said Rose, in a
tone that implied a doubt.

"It was about you," said Fanny, nodding significantly.

"Well, the subject is interesting," said Rose, "whatever the remark
might be."

"What is it, Fanny?" said Arthur. "Rose is really very anxious to know,
though she pretends to be so indifferent. I daresay it was some
appropriate remark's on her flirtation with the gallant captain, last
night."

"Mamma didn't mention Captain Starr, but she said she had never noticed
before that Rose was so fond of admiration, and a little inclined to
flirt."

Rose reddened and bit her lips.

"I am much obliged to Mrs Grove, for her good opinion. Were there any
other appropriate remarks?"

"Oh! yes; plenty more," said Fanny, laughing. "I told mamma it was all
nonsense. She used to say the same of me, and I reminded her of it. I
told her we all looked upon Rose as a child, and that she had no idea of
flirting--and such things."

"I hope you did not do violence to your conscience when you said it,"
said Arthur, gravely.

"Of course not. But still when I began to think about it, I could not
be quite sure."

"Set a thief to catch a thief," said her husband.

Fanny shook her fin